Five Issues to Watch in the Buccaneers’ Third Preseason Game

Jun 14, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter (left) and defensive end Noah Spence (57) talk as they work out during mini camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter (left) and defensive end Noah Spence (57) talk as they work out during mini camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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Here are five issues to watch in the Buccaneers’ third preseason game.

Aug 20, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter looks on during the fourth quarter in a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter looks on during the fourth quarter in a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

It has been an up and down story through two games of the preseason for the Buccaneers.  There have been some moments that have hinted at great hope, such as the first touchdown drive of the year which we described.  The pass rush looked good in the first game as well.  But, there have been some down times, such as the poor passing game in the second game as well as the non-existent pass rush.

Now, game three is on the horizon.

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Game three is typically recognized as the dress rehearsal for all teams.  The starters play the longest of any preseason game on the schedule, and the coaches treat it the most like a regular season game.  With that, it becomes a barometer for where your team is as the season approaches.

So with the Bucs’ game on Friday night, let’s look at five early issues that need to show progress in the dress rehearsal.

Next: Quarterback Play

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